Tobacco Topics : Data & Evaluation

The Importance of Data in Developing a Tobacco Program

Data is the primary means by which we discover the nature of the problem that needs to be addressed. Without data, we might FEEL that our community is abusing tobacco and that this is resulting in disease, but we have no reliable, objective way to justify our feelings and persuade others to help us make a change. Data is the necessary tool that will provide justification for our tobacco programs and help to gather support from the community.

How Data is used

• For Assessment
Data is necessary in planning the content of prevention programs. For example, you might be trying to decide between targeting men or women in your program. Data on which gender has a higher smoking prevalence will help you target the most affected population. Data can also tell you what goal areas to focus on (ex: cessation or secondhand smoke?)

• For Evaluation
Evaluation is a key component to any program. If you spend time and money to implement an activity, everyone involved will want to know- did it work? Did anything change? Did things change the way you intended? What can you do better? In order to accurately answer these questions, you must gather data before, after, and during the program.

• For Advocacy and Education
Data will help you get attention for your programs. People will be more interested in supporting and helping when you have accurate information to justify the need for your activities. If you are writing a grant or educating community leaders, you will need to present data on the current situation in your community.

Where Data is Found

• Primary Data is data collected directly from the community you are working with. Examples include conducting your own survey interviews, questionnaires, measurements, or direct observations. Primary data comes straight from the source (i.e. your tribal community). Gathering primary data is a good way to raise community awareness and involvement, while also gathering information.

• Secondary Data is data collected by other groups or organizations, but made available to the general public. National statistics, data gathered from RPMS, and previous surveys are all examples of secondary data. Before going to the work of collecting your own data, it is very important to review what is already available, and see if it will suit your needs.

National and State Statistics

National statistics on tobacco use can be found through a number of organizations, many of which are available on the Internet. Following are a few good web sites:

www.cancer.org - American Cancer Society- (prevalence and incidence rates for various cancers)
www.oas.samhsa.org - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –
www.who.int/research/en/ - World Health Organization
www.lungusa.org - American Lung Association
www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ - Center for Disease Control

Behavioral Risk Surveillance System (BRFSS, “Bur-Fuss”)

This is an ongoing telephone survey of U.S. adults with phones. The survey collects information about tobacco use and other health indicators. The same survey was done in 7 northwest tribes in 2001, using face-to-face interviews rather than phone interviews. This information is tribal specific and the surveys were designed to be culturally sensitive. Data from this study is available on the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board website at: www.npaihb.org/epi/brfss/webpage_brfss.htm